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Sun Bleached Scarecrows
The sequel to Parochial Pigs. Sun Bleached Scarecrows is a thrilling noir that immerses readers in its raw depictions of reality and complex characters, delivering one hell of a suspenseful ride.
“With a style that is both poetic and incisive, James Jenkins crafts stories that are as beautiful as they are compelling. Each sentence is a work of art, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind and evoking a wide range of emotions. Whether it's a novel or a short story, Jenkin’s writing is always irresistible and leaves a lasting impression. He is a true master of his craft and Sun Bleached Scarecrows is a must-read for anyone looking for a truly outstanding literary experience."
— Cody Sexton, EIC for A Thin Slice of Anxiety and publisher at Anxiety Press
“Sun Bleached Scarecrows by James Jenkins is at once action packed and coy, hilarious and unsettling, heartwarming and poignant; he changes gears like a Mercedes sliding into the fast lane, but observes human behavior with a patient and keen eye. The author juxtaposes moments of drama and hard crime from people living new lives with side splitting thoughts or sweet conversations between two unassuming lovers. From unwritten rules in police offices to unique hobbies and from sly looks from old friends to uncomfortable conversations with unwanted acquaintances Jenkins pulls together a story through multiple narrators that traverses rural and urban landscapes, multiple countries and is one you won’t want to put down.”
— Matthew McGuirk, author of Oil Stains Like Rorschachs
“A writer confidently punching with the greats, Jenkins has sharpened his tools razor-sharp here with a tight, taut and gripping thriller. I loved it and can't wait for more.”
—John Bowie - Bristol Noir
“James Jenkins has done it again, and in incredible style too. This gritty and brutal follow up to his epic Parochial Pigs is another gripping gangland/underworld story that returns - in part - to Colney (which is something nobody should ever do) and it is astonishingly well written. It delivers in terms of plot, setting, language and tone, though it is the cast of unforgettable characters that James has created that truly make this violent and twisted story so engrossing and engaging. Jenkins has given us characters that are damaged, deranged and vile, and also scared, hurting and vulnerable. And each one of them is believable - regardless of how fucked up they might be - and has a true place in the story. The new characters, the new settings, the old violence … THIS book lovers is absolutely brilliant.”
— Andrew Marsh - Dial Lane Books
“With a style that is both poetic and incisive, James Jenkins crafts stories that are as beautiful as they are compelling. Each sentence is a work of art, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind and evoking a wide range of emotions. Whether it's a novel or a short story, Jenkin’s writing is always irresistible and leaves a lasting impression. He is a true master of his craft and Sun Bleached Scarecrows is a must-read for anyone looking for a truly outstanding literary experience."
— Cody Sexton, EIC for A Thin Slice of Anxiety and publisher at Anxiety Press
“Sun Bleached Scarecrows by James Jenkins is at once action packed and coy, hilarious and unsettling, heartwarming and poignant; he changes gears like a Mercedes sliding into the fast lane, but observes human behavior with a patient and keen eye. The author juxtaposes moments of drama and hard crime from people living new lives with side splitting thoughts or sweet conversations between two unassuming lovers. From unwritten rules in police offices to unique hobbies and from sly looks from old friends to uncomfortable conversations with unwanted acquaintances Jenkins pulls together a story through multiple narrators that traverses rural and urban landscapes, multiple countries and is one you won’t want to put down.”
— Matthew McGuirk, author of Oil Stains Like Rorschachs
“A writer confidently punching with the greats, Jenkins has sharpened his tools razor-sharp here with a tight, taut and gripping thriller. I loved it and can't wait for more.”
—John Bowie - Bristol Noir
“James Jenkins has done it again, and in incredible style too. This gritty and brutal follow up to his epic Parochial Pigs is another gripping gangland/underworld story that returns - in part - to Colney (which is something nobody should ever do) and it is astonishingly well written. It delivers in terms of plot, setting, language and tone, though it is the cast of unforgettable characters that James has created that truly make this violent and twisted story so engrossing and engaging. Jenkins has given us characters that are damaged, deranged and vile, and also scared, hurting and vulnerable. And each one of them is believable - regardless of how fucked up they might be - and has a true place in the story. The new characters, the new settings, the old violence … THIS book lovers is absolutely brilliant.”
— Andrew Marsh - Dial Lane Books
270 pages, Paperback
Published March 9, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 29, 2023
James absolutely smashes it out of the park with this banger of a sequel to his debut novel 'Parochial Pigs'. Cripplingly dark, gritty and uncomfortable scenes snake between moments of genuine emotion, bridged with humour and razorblade wit. You'll never know what's coming next. Absolute belter of a read.
July 30, 2024
After reviewing Parochial Pigs the author was kind enough to let me have a copy of this book for free. I've not allowed this generosity to influence my review, nor have I been swayed by the fact the author demonstrated an imaginative attitude to torture and murder in his previous book and now knows where I live.
First thing to note is this is a first edition, there are an awful lot of typos and some unusual punctuation. I quite enjoyed this, I think more authors should hide typos in their work to make the reader feel smug when they spot them. Working out what word was meant instead of entrepreneur took me as lot longer than it should
I felt the previous book really picked up in the last third. This isn't true here, the writing is thoroughly engaging from the start. It had a good pace and some very well written characters. There's also humour in this book that's very well done to good effect.
The stories protagonist is the wonderfully named Austin Healey. I think the only name that can beat that is when Paul Hoffman introduced the character of the monk Fray Bentos. It's very easy to find yourself rooting for the hapless detective right from the start, and he only becomes more endearing as the story unfolds.
The previous book's villain Bobby Cavendish returns and he is as psychopathic as ever, retirement having done nothing to dull his violent urges.
As a sequel to Parochial Pigs this works very well, some original characters and elements of the storyline are very much a part of this and it drives the original narrative further, including the return to the insular Colney. But the writing here feels to me a lot more considered and crafted than in Parochial Pigs.
My only complaint would be that I found the ending unsatisfying, I told myself it was because it felt a little rushed but on reflection it may be
A compelling read, definitely recommend.
First thing to note is this is a first edition, there are an awful lot of typos and some unusual punctuation. I quite enjoyed this, I think more authors should hide typos in their work to make the reader feel smug when they spot them. Working out what word was meant instead of entrepreneur took me as lot longer than it should
I felt the previous book really picked up in the last third. This isn't true here, the writing is thoroughly engaging from the start. It had a good pace and some very well written characters. There's also humour in this book that's very well done to good effect.
The stories protagonist is the wonderfully named Austin Healey. I think the only name that can beat that is when Paul Hoffman introduced the character of the monk Fray Bentos. It's very easy to find yourself rooting for the hapless detective right from the start, and he only becomes more endearing as the story unfolds.
The previous book's villain Bobby Cavendish returns and he is as psychopathic as ever, retirement having done nothing to dull his violent urges.
As a sequel to Parochial Pigs this works very well, some original characters and elements of the storyline are very much a part of this and it drives the original narrative further, including the return to the insular Colney. But the writing here feels to me a lot more considered and crafted than in Parochial Pigs.
My only complaint would be that I found the ending unsatisfying, I told myself it was because it felt a little rushed but on reflection it may be
A compelling read, definitely recommend.
March 14, 2023
Sun Bleached Scarecrows by James Jenkins is at once action packed and coy, hilarious and unsettling, heartwarming and poignant; he changes gears like a Mercedes sliding into the fast lane, but observes human behavior with a patient and keen eye. The author juxtaposes moments of drama and hard crime from people living new lives with side splitting thoughts or sweet conversations between two unassuming lovers. From unwritten rules in police offices to unique hobbies and from sly looks from old friends to uncomfortable conversations with unwanted acquaintances Jenkins pulls together a story through multiple narrators that traverses rural and urban landscapes, multiple countries and is one you won’t want to put down.
May 18, 2023
EXPLOSIVE, MYSTERIOUS, GUT CHURNING with some magical comedy element's.
Jenkins has a wonderful imaginative writing quality that grips you to this sequel after reading Parochial Pigs I didn't think it could get any better, but after picking up this trendy gritty gangster crime novel I could not put it down. A brilliantly written follow on with new characters who fit in so well.
Can't wait for No.3
Well done James Jenkins
Jenkins has a wonderful imaginative writing quality that grips you to this sequel after reading Parochial Pigs I didn't think it could get any better, but after picking up this trendy gritty gangster crime novel I could not put it down. A brilliantly written follow on with new characters who fit in so well.
Can't wait for No.3
Well done James Jenkins
August 13, 2023
I was eagerly awaiting this sequel to the brilliant Parochial Pigs, and it didn’t disappoint. Picking up threads from the first novel, Sun Bleached Scarecrows takes you on another fast-paced ride through Bristol’s underworld and is littered with some great new characters.
The darkly humorous plot line twists and turns and will keep you guessing to the end. James is fast maturing as a writer and if you enjoyed ‘Pigs’ you will LOVE Scarecrows!
The darkly humorous plot line twists and turns and will keep you guessing to the end. James is fast maturing as a writer and if you enjoyed ‘Pigs’ you will LOVE Scarecrows!
March 13, 2023
Picking up five years later from the events of Parochial Pigs, Jenkins throws us back into the cinematic pace of his writing. An array of original and very real characters join the survivors of the first book. Sun Bleached Scarecrows is a gritty rollercoaster though the Costa Del Sol, Yeovil, Bristol and the West Country. Set up perfectly for the next chapter.
June 11, 2023
I enjoyed Parochial Pigs. It was gritty, gruesome, and wildly funny. This sequel, however, is so much better. The pacing, the character development, and the plotting are all spot on, delivered with Jenkins' trademark humour. Sun Bleached Scarecrows is funny, disgusting, and leaves the reader wanting more. Can't wait for the third instalment of this highly readable series.
March 13, 2023
This has everything for fans of brit grit fiction.
Jenkins is a writer who confidently punches with the greats. His first book was great, and he has sharpened his tools razor-sharp here with another tight, taut and gripping thriller.
I loved it and can't wait for more.
Jenkins is a writer who confidently punches with the greats. His first book was great, and he has sharpened his tools razor-sharp here with another tight, taut and gripping thriller.
I loved it and can't wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews